Catalina Brewing Company (CBC) sees itself as a creator of hand-crafted bike fuel.

Catalina Brewing Company (CBC) sees itself as a creator of hand-crafted bike fuel. Cycling enthusiasts co-founders Hank Rowe and Brian Vance decided to start a brewery during a 24-hour mountain bike race in 2009. Their first beer, the 0200 IPA, was named in honor of that early-morning decision.

For Rowe, a social studies teacher in Amphitheater School District for 23 years, this meant a big career shift. Hints of his past can still be seen in his current endeavor, however. CBC brews a Teacher’s Aid beer (baked apple-cinnamon Scottish ale) and the chalkboards are a nod to his days in the classroom.

A lot has happened since 2009, and CBC now offers a variety of beers that feature local ingredients like prickly pear, mesquite, and pecan. Not all varieties are available year round, but you can see what’s on tap by checking out the “beer” tab on their website.

Offerings include Cañada del Oro, a golden blonde ale, La Rosa Cream Ale, made with prickly pear, the Pecan Dopplebock, Bail Ale, a wheat beer with orange zest and coriander, and Cherry Tanked Stout, as well as the Teacher’s Aid and 0200. They also have a couple of guest taps occupied by local breweries and a Sonoran Rootbeer for a non-alcoholic option.

CBC is located near Ina and I-10, and they are open from Thursday to Sunday with happy hour from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. They have live music, trivia night, and other events, and while they don’t have a kitchen in house, there’s often a food truck parked nearby. The best way to find out about upcoming events is to follow their Facebook page.

In keeping with their roots, CBC sells bike jerseys and has a cycling team. The brewery is located on The Loop, over 100 miles of shared-use paths that connect Tucson, South Tucson, Oro Valley and Marana. Visitors are encouraged to arrive by bike, though car parking is certainly available.